• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental First District Rep. Julio Ledesma IV has called then-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano “a disgrace to the Senate” and vowed to seek persona non grata declarations against him from local government units (LGUs) within his district.
In a strongly-worded social media post on June 3, Ledesma blamed Cayetano for the ongoing leadership dispute that has paralyzed Senate proceedings for two consecutive session days.
“Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano – you are a disgrace to the Senate. And as a former member of the House, you have done this twice now, for trivializing your duty as a legislator,” Ledesma said.
The lawmaker added that he would urge all local government units in the First District of Negros Occidental to pass resolutions declaring Cayetano persona non grata.
The congressional district covers the cities of San Carlos and Escalante as well as the municipalities of Calatrava, Toboso, and Don Salvador Benedicto.
A persona non grata declaration is a formal resolution adopted by a local council expressing strong disapproval of an individual and declaring that person unwelcome within its jurisdiction.
While it carries no legal sanctions, it is regarded as a significant political rebuke.
Reacting to the proposal, San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo said he would first seek legal guidance before taking a position.
“If we have basis, we will support Cong. Jules,” Gustilo said.
The mayor also expressed concern over the Senate impasse, noting that lawmakers should avoid actions that hinder legislative work.
“The Senate has many bills to act on,” Gustilo said, adding that the controversy appears linked to the issue of whether the Senate should proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Meanwhile, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of Negros Association of Chief Executives, said such matter has yet to be discussed by the organization.
Speaking in his personal capacity, Escalante lamented what he described as the growing politicization of the Senate.
“That is not the Senate that we know,” he said, recalling an era when senators such as Miriam Defensor Santiago and Franklin Drilon were known for focusing on issues affecting public welfare.
“Now, it’s more on politics,” Escalante said.
He stressed that Filipinos share responsibility for the quality of leadership in government because elected officials are chosen by the people.
“We cannot blame the Senate since they were elected by the people. We deserve what we get,” he said.
Escalante urged voters to exercise greater discernment during elections.
“We should be careful about the people we elect. That is the essence of all these. This is not a popularity contest. It is not about being a good talker. The integrity of the Senate is at stake because it is the last bastion of democracy,” he said. | GB
